The Cuban regime disclosed on Thursday that the explosion on December 24 at a storage tank in the Sancti Spíritus asphalt plant was due to an accident, with no signs of intentional harm or sabotage. A multidisciplinary team from the Ministry of the Interior (Minint) explained that the incident took place in a tank containing RC liquid—a mix of asphalt and naphtha—according to the Cubadebate portal.
The accident stemmed from the interaction between volatile gases and an ignition source, confirmed Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Ávalos Jorge, who leads the Sancti Spíritus Fire Department. He noted that the low liquid level in the tank contributed to the accumulation of flammable gases.
"The tank, designed to hold up to 40,000 liters, had only 5,000 liters at the time of the incident. This created a large empty space where naphtha vapors, which are heavier than air, accumulated, setting the stage for an explosion when they met an ignition source," Ávalos explained.
The ignition source was identified as a lighter carried by a plant worker, who was near the tank during the blast and is now in critical condition. Lieutenant Colonel Félix Pérez Ríos, head of the Minint's Breakdown, Explosion, and Fire Response Unit, stated that the lighter left behind incandescent residues that interacted with the volatile gases.
"The investigation determined that the lighter should have been extinguished before approaching the tank. Even though there was no substance transfer, the embers generated the spark that triggered the accident," he specified.
The technical-criminal analysis ruled out any evidence of sabotage and confirmed that the tank was functioning as designed. Authorities reiterated that the explosion was an unforeseen event and emphasized the importance of adhering to safety protocols in such facilities, as noted in the report.
The Sancti Spíritus asphalt plant remains under technical review to prevent future incidents. Alexey Díaz Salas, a 48-year-old worker, was critically injured in the explosion, suffering severe burns while performing operations at the time of the disaster.
Key Details About the Sancti Spíritus Plant Explosion
What caused the explosion at the Sancti Spíritus asphalt plant?
The explosion was caused by the interaction between accumulated volatile gases and an ignition source, specifically a lighter carried by a worker at the plant.
Was there any evidence of sabotage in the explosion?
No evidence of sabotage was found. The explosion was determined to be an accidental event.
What safety measures are being taken at the plant?
The plant is undergoing technical evaluation to prevent similar incidents, and authorities have stressed the importance of following safety protocols.